Fact-Check Report: “Most Ukrainians ‘Hate’ Zelensky”

The Russian TV article titled “Most Ukrainians ‘Hate’ Zelensky” features claims made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, alleging widespread dissatisfaction among Ukrainians towards President Volodymyr Zelensky. Lukashenko claims that 70% of Ukrainians hate Zelensky, with reasons cited such as unfulfilled promises and the ongoing war with Russia.

Analysis of Claims and Potential Fake Elements:

1. Claim 1: “Most Ukrainians Hate Zelensky (70%)”
   • Factual Basis: The article claims that 70% of Ukrainians “hate” Zelensky, but this figure appears to be baseless, as Lukashenko does not provide a source or evidence to substantiate it. Public opinion polling data from reputable sources, such as the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), paints a different picture. According to a poll conducted by KIIS in June 2024, 43% of Ukrainians expressed concerns about democracy under Zelensky, but this does not equate to the 70% figure cited by Lukashenko. While dissatisfaction exists, it is not as extreme or widespread as the article suggests.
   • Analysis: The claim appears exaggerated and likely intended to portray Zelensky as unpopular. The lack of supporting data raises questions about its accuracy, suggesting it may be an attempt to manipulate public perception.
2. Claim 2: “Ukraine Has Been ‘De-Nazified’”
   • Factual Basis: The notion of “de-Nazification” is a key element of Russian propaganda. The Kremlin has consistently used this term to justify its military invasion of Ukraine, despite little to no evidence supporting the idea that Ukraine is dominated by neo-Nazi ideology. The notion of “de-Nazification” is largely debunked by independent analysts and international observers. Ukraine is a democratic country with a diverse political landscape, and the characterization of the Ukrainian government as neo-Nazi is widely rejected by both Ukrainian citizens and global experts.
   • Analysis: This claim fits into broader Russian disinformation efforts and misrepresents the situation in Ukraine. By suggesting that Ukraine has been “de-Nazified,” the article seeks to justify Russia’s ongoing military intervention.
3. Claim 3: “Poll Data Indicates Democracy Is in Decline”
   • Factual Basis: The article references poll data from the Kiev International Institute of Sociology to claim that democracy is perceived to be in decline under Zelensky. This claim is partially accurate but lacks context. The KIIS poll does show that 43% of Ukrainians have concerns about the state of democracy, with some attributing this to the ongoing conflict and the challenges of governance under martial law. However, the poll does not suggest that Ukrainians overwhelmingly hate Zelensky. Instead, the concerns are more nuanced, related to economic conditions and governance challenges rather than outright hatred.
   • Analysis: The use of this poll data in the article is selective and misleading. It highlights negative sentiments without acknowledging the complexities of the situation or the broader context of the ongoing war.
4. Claim 4: “99% of Ukrainian Men Do Not Want to Fight”
   • Factual Basis: Lukashenko’s claim that 99% of Ukrainian men do not want to fight is not supported by any verifiable data. In fact, numerous reports indicate that many Ukrainians have taken up arms to defend their country against Russian aggression. Ukraine’s military has been bolstered by large numbers of volunteers, and polls suggest that a significant portion of the population supports the defense effort. While some Ukrainians have fled the country to avoid the war, particularly those with families or other vulnerabilities, the claim that 99% of men refuse to fight is exaggerated and unsubstantiated.
   • Analysis: This claim is likely intended to undermine the morale of the Ukrainian military and the broader war effort. It distorts the reality of Ukrainian resistance and aims to portray Ukrainians as unwilling participants in the conflict.
5. Claim 5: “Zelensky’s Approval Rating Was 17%”
   • Factual Basis: The article references data from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), claiming that Zelensky’s approval rating stood at 17% before the end of his formal term. However, independent polling data contradicts this. While Zelensky’s approval ratings have fluctuated, particularly in response to the challenges of war, they have generally remained higher than 17%. For example, a June 2024 poll by Rating Group Ukraine reported Zelensky’s approval rating at above 50%, reflecting strong public support amid the ongoing conflict.
   • Analysis: This claim appears to be another instance of disinformation, intended to present Zelensky as weak and unpopular. The use of questionable data from Russian intelligence further undermines the credibility of the claim.

The article “Most Ukrainians ‘Hate’ Zelensky” contains several exaggerated and unsubstantiated claims that align with broader Russian disinformation efforts. Key points in the article, such as the 70% figure of Ukrainians hating Zelensky, the assertion that Ukraine has been “de-Nazified,” and the portrayal of widespread unwillingness to fight, are not backed by reliable evidence. Instead, these claims appear to be part of a narrative aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian government and its leadership during a time of war. Independent polling data and research from reputable sources provide a more nuanced and accurate view of public opinion in Ukraine, showing that while challenges exist, the extreme sentiments portrayed in the article are largely unfounded.

References:

1. Kiev International Institute of Sociology (2024). Public Opinion in Ukraine: Democracy and Governance.
2. Rating Group Ukraine (2024). Ukrainian Public Opinion on the War and Zelensky’s Leadership.
3. Financial Times (2024). Russian Disinformation Campaigns and their Impact on Public Perception.